Treating Adult Acne

By Arricca Elin SanSone
Thought you were too old for acne? Learn all about treating the grown-up version.

More than 50 percent of women age 25 to 58 have some type of acne -- and all the angst that comes with it. And if you've bought an arsenal of drugstore pimple creams -- and still have pimples to show for it -- join the club. "For about one in four patients, adult acne doesn't resolve with just over-the-counter treatments," says M. Alan Menter, MD, chief of dermatology at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.

Pimples are basically clogged pores that become swollen and inflamed due to bacterial growth. But unlike the blackheads you had as a teen, adult acne typically comes in the form of hard, painful knots called cysts near the mouth, temples, and jawline. Cystic acne can leave dark spots or scars easily, so chronic sufferers should see a dermatologist. How can you beat breakouts? Start by addressing these hidden causes:

Hormonal fluctuations: Experts don't know why, but oil glands are more sensitive to hormonal shifts during your 20s and 30s. These fluctuations are the most common cause of adult acne.

Blemish buster: Birth control pills can help keep hormones steady, and may be enough to help reduce blemishes. For stubborn breakouts that don't respond to the pill alone, topical creams or gels that contain retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), such as Retin-A, can also unclog pores in mild to moderate cases. For more severe cases, topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clindamycin, or oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, work to reduce inflammation. (If you're pregnant, it's not safe to use these medications.) When other treatments have failed, your dermatologist may prescribe Accutane (isotretinoin). It is extremely effective, but carries some serious risks. Because Accutane can cause severe birth defects, you'll be required to use two types of contraceptives while taking it.

Stress: "One of the biggest acne triggers for women in their 30s is stress," says Stephen Webster, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, in Minneapolis. Stress causes the body to release cortisol, which spurs the production of hormones that overstimulate oil glands. "It becomes a cycle: You're under pressure, which triggers acne, which then makes you feel more stressed."

Blemish buster: Try some basic stress-relief techniques. Make sure you're eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. If you keep up these healthy habits for a month or two and still don't see any results, talk to a dermatologist about a prescription acne remedy.

Daily Grooming Products: "Nature gave us 600 oil glands per cubic centimeter on our noses, 400 on our cheeks, and 20 on our arms," says Marianne O'Donoghue, MD, associate professor of dermatology, Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke Medical Center in Chicago. Yet we use more products on our faces than any other body part, which can clog pores and trigger breakouts.

Blemish buster: Use only noncomedogenic (non-acne-causing) cosmetics, and make sure your moisturizer is oil-free. And try to avoid touching your face or resting your chin on your hands -- doing so can add dirt and bacteria to the areas most inflamed by adult acne and may further clog pores.

More articles please visit and make donation click for
http://skin-care-and-acne-treatment.blogspot.com
http://weight-loss-treatments.blogspot.com
http://skin-care-body-treatment.blogspot.com